Saturday, October 5, 2013

Blaze of Winter (Star Harbor #2) by Elisabeth Barrett

Frustrated with her job in Boston, social worker Avery Newbridge welcomes the opportunity to reassess her life when family asks her to help manage the Star Harbor Inn. Trying to figure out her future is overwhelming enough, but she doesn’t count on distraction in the form of one Theo Grayson, the gorgeous, green-eyed author who she knows is trouble from the moment he saunters into the inn.

Not only does he have a talent for writing swashbuckling adventures, but Theo also has a soft spot for big-hearted damsels in distress, especially a woman who’s great at helping everyone—except herself. Avery’s demons challenge him, but for desire this hot, he isn’t backing down. With every kiss and heated whisper Theo promises her his heart . . . if only Avery is willing to open up and accept it.

Blaze of Winter was a nice easy read set in a gorgeous small town and it just screamed charm and warmth even in the depth of winter. Even though it took me a while to get through the book I did enjoy it. The story is nice, there's some humor and sexy times, a little touch of danger and mystery and great characters. Perfect for snuggling up to read on a cool fall day.

Both Theo and Avery have been out in the world and away from their families for years and have kind of lost themselves in the every day of life. When her aunt becomes ill and he starts suffering from writers block they both land in Star Hallow to regroup and end up kind of being pushed together as he takes up residence in her aunt's inn. They're both a little lost but sparks fly as he settles in and they both start discovering that maybe their current lives aren't quite what they really want and desire.

So, Theo. Now there is one sexy ass hero. I would be all over that.*drool* He has a deep sexy voice and has a way about him that would just draw you in no matter how hard you resisted. But Avery. Whew. She's a great heroine as well but the chickie just would not go along with things. Theo's sexy as all get out, talented, passionate, sweet and caring and has a wonder-cock and she just would not get on board with things. I really wanted to shake her and be like it's time. Now woman! Now! lol They're both great people though and really do a lot for the people around them so you can't help but like em both and want good things for them.

When she finally realized that Theo was still watching her intently, she swallowed and game him a glance. "What?" she said indignantly. "It's delicious."

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with mirth. "I can tell."

"You can't have any of mine," she said, curling her arm around her plate as protection. "Wait fro your own order."

"It's not your food I'm after."

She didn't even look at him as she forked another bite. "You can't have any of that, either," she said under her breath.

Then he laughed, a deep sound that filled the entire place. Though her every nerve ending was taut with longing and desire, she kept on eating, trying in vain to pretend he wasn't sitting right beside her. A big man with a hungry look in his eye.

I really loved the coming home message and that they were surrounded by family, by a gossiping town and just people that cared about them as they figured out what they were doing with their lives. The town really had a great feel and is so a place I'd love to live.

While I did think some parts dragged out a bit too much I enjoyed the easy read of Blaze of Winter. There's a nice little bit of suspense added into the mix which made things a bit more exciting as the romance took root. It was fun watching all of the pieces fall into place for both parts of the storyline. If you like small town romances and drool-worthy heroes it's one to pick up.

FTC Disclaimer: The books I review come from a number of places...ones I have purchased, some provided by authors or publishers in exchange for honest reviews (yeah some of those get DNF'd and 1 stars too) and some I've received from friends. I'll always give yall exactly what I think regardless of how the books ended up on my shelf.

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